Even at the best of times, it can be hard to find the motivation to succeed. Power through, power up and take the first step. Don’t overthink, just take the step. Don’t regret a missed opportunity, JUST TAKE THE STEP!
Good vibes for the day? First of all, there is so much going on these days that we can’t control. I can still control how I feel about the teaching profession. I believe it is one of the noblest professions and I am in constant pursuit of finding ways to show my respect. One way to show it is by the way that I dress. Every person, “big or small” who has had an impact on others, has had a teacher impact their lives. So today as I got ready for another online session with students, I also paid homage to our profession, by going through my routine of showering, grooming myself, and selecting my attire as I prepare to present, not just myself, but the profession of teaching. I will continue to do this because it is something that I can control, it is something I value, and I also look just a bit more handsome in a vest! 😉.
Lewis and Clark College, in Portland Oregon, is situated on exquisite grounds and property dating back to the late 1800’s. Could there be a more serene and inspiring learning environment? Thank you for such a warm embrace to your community, and for having me as your keynote speaker and presenter to work on Expansive Education. It was a true honor. At the end of the amazing day, one faculty member asked me what I had learned that day. As a lifelong learner I was reminded of the sometimes overlooked, but hugely impactful effect of environment on learning. By utilizing the grounds of Lewis and Clark, a heightened level of conversation was born. To see this dynamic interaction happening was truely invigorating and inspiring!
Three weeks and three Conferences. Many ask how I get through times as busy as this. It's easy to answer; I truly LOVE what I do! Do I get exhausted? Of course, I am human, but you can get tired doing something you truly enjoy that has a purpose, or, live in a state of tiredness doing something you don't.
This week's conference was with the California Community College Council on Staff Development in Claremont, California. I am honored to serve as the chair of this organization, bringing professional development to exciting new levels. The energy and enthusiasm from this great group of people and all of the attendees is contagious. Jump on board and join us in 2020!
Thank you to CASMEC for an amazingly well organized conference. With several 2019 conferences now behind me, I am firmly into the busy spring semester, and I am excited for all engagements that are ahead. Living the good life... and just getting started!!!
Come and join in.....It’s going to be a hands on, fast paced, flurry of energy session as we take apart a score with our heads and put it back together with out hearts! With sincerest thanks for sponsorship from J.W.Pepper.
I am excited to be a part of this years CASMEC community. It is a phenomenal conference where music educators from across California can commune, share and enjoy musicianship from across the nation. This year I am honored to be leading the workshop “Discovering the Puzzel: Score Study for Any Level Ensemble”.
Rachel and I got to enjoy great company and awe inspiring talent at this years Berklee College Alumni Brunch. We look forward to this event each year which is held in the impressive Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA.
I am a first generation college student. I did not understand or realize the implications of the challenges I would meet as I was navigating my college years and it is only now that I am beginning to understand that I overcame adversity that statics say should have kept me down. What an honor to give presentations at the recent Music Association of California Community Colleges Conference where I was able to share the challenges for first generation college students and discuss ways to provide resources and help them succeed; changing the trajectory of their family lineage.
It is possible to have fun, be learning, and taking risks, all at the same time. Here I am with a little “free time” on my hands and I decided to take apart the dryer to see if I could figure out what makes it tick. Worse case scenario, I’ll have to pay someone to come and fix it and put it back together. Best case scenario, I’ll have fixed it, learned something new, and had fun doing it. I’m already on the way to success as two of the three have already happened! There can be joy, excitement, and benefits in taking risks, go for it!
